The European Crafts Alliance President Ana Cristina Mendes took part in Craft Economists & Academics Forum 50 hosted by the China National Arts and Crafts Society in in Wenzhou, China. During the event, Mendes delivered a key note speach exploring how craft can act as an engine for both creativity and innovation. Using the practical experiences of the ECA network as a baseline, she outlined several shared priorities that resonate across the global sector. Key among these are:
- The practical transmission of skills to a new generation of makers.
- The role of craftsmanship in driving material sustainability.
- The value of international cooperation in supporting independent studios.
This kind of cross-border perspective is becoming increasingly vital. As she highlighted during her address:
“The future of craft will remain deeply local in its identity, materials and knowledge, but it can become increasingly global through exchange, collaboration and opportunity.”
The visit was facilitated by Global ACE, opening up valuable avenues for dialogue between the European and Chinese craft communities. At the close of the forum, the China National Arts and Crafts Society also presented Mendes with an honorary certificate in recognition of her ongoing work within the sector.
photo: Global ACE Group